Article carrier

ABSTRACT

An article carrier is formable from a blank having opposing side wall panels interconnected by a set of major end panels. A set of minor end panels of one side wall panel is foldably adjoined to an unjoined end another side wall panel or to the other set of minor end panels. The side wall panels are interconnected by the minor end panels to form a substantially tubular structure. Transverse panels are connected to at least one of the side wall panels in the blank. The transverse panels extend between and interconnect the side wall panels in the erected carrier. The tubular partially-erect carrier is collapsible into a flat-face condition. Connecting structure includes at least one top connecting panel hingedly adjoined to a respective one of the transverse panels. In the erected carrier the connecting structure interconnects the transverse panels.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/805,063 filed Jun. 16, 2006, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to article carriers. More specifically, the invention relates to a basket-style article carrier having compartments for closely receiving upstanding articles such as bottles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cartons are useful for packaging multiple articles. A so-called basket-style, or basket-type, article carrier is particularly useful for packaging multiple upstanding articles such as bottles. For marketing purposes, manufacturers and distributors of beverages often desire to package multiple articles in packaging that is distinctive. However, a problem that manufactures and distributors face in attempting to utilize distinctive packaging is that such packaging is often difficult to manufacture and load and/or may be less cost effective than traditional packaging. Thus, it can be appreciated that it would be useful to have packaging that is distinctive, relatively easy to manufacture, relatively simple to load, and cost-effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing, in a first exemplary embodiment, an article carrier that includes opposing side walls, opposing end wall structures that interconnect the side walls, and a bottom closure structure that at least partially encloses a bottom open end of a tubular structure defined by the side walls and end wall structures. The side walls, end wall structures, and bottom closure structure generally define a basket. In addition, a top structure includes a pair of transverse panels that define compartments including a central compartment and at least one flanking compartment. The transverse panels include a lower edge that extends between the side walls and opposed side edges that are hingedly connected to upper edges of the side walls along substantially vertical fold lines. Further, a connecting structure interconnects the transverse panels at uppermost regions to cover the articles in the central compartment.

According to one aspect of the first exemplary embodiment, the top structure provides a handle for the article carrier. According to one facet of this aspect, the top structure includes at least one notch in side edges thereof to defines a narrow region that can be engaged like a strap-type handle. According to another facet, a pair of opposing notches defines the narrow region. According to another aspect of the first exemplary embodiment, at least one aperture is formed in at least one of the transverse panels to provide a handle for the article carrier.

The present invention also provides a second exemplary embodiment of an article carrier having opposing side walls and opposing end wall structures that form a substantially tubular structure. A top structure includes transverse panels that extend between the side walls so as to define a central compartment and at least one flanking compartment and includes a connecting structure that interconnects uppermost regions of the transverse panels so as to substantially cover the central compartment. According to one aspect of the second exemplary embodiment, the article carrier includes a closable bottom structure that is adjoined to at least one of the side walls or end wall structures. According to another aspect of the second exemplary embodiment, fold lines are disposed in or hingedly connect the side walls and the end wall structures promote collapsing of the substantially tubular structure. According to one facet of this aspect, the fold lines are disposed in diametrically opposed regions of the substantially tubular structure. According to another facet of this aspect, the diametrically opposed regions include regions of opposing end wall structures.

The present invention also provides a blank for forming an article carrier in which a pair of side panels is hingedly interconnected by a set of major end panels and at least one of the side panels has a set of minor end panels adjoined thereto. Further, the blank includes a pair of transverse panels where each has a first edge hingedly adjoining an upper edge of one of the side panels. At least one connecting panel hingedly adjoins a respective one of the transverse panels for the purpose of interconnecting the transverse panels. The side panels, end panels, and transverse panels are erectable into a collapsible, substantially tubular configuration.

According to one aspect of the blank, at least one bottom closure panel hingedly adjoins at least one of the side panels or end panels and can be erected into a bottom closure of the tubular structure.

According to another aspect of the blank, lines of joinder that hingedly connect the side panels with major and minor end panels and lines of joinder that hingedly connect transverse panels with side panels are substantially parallel. The parallel lines of joinder facilitate collapsing the substantially tubular configuration such that certain of the side panels and the major and minor end panels are at least partially in face-contacting relationships. According to one facet of this aspect of the blank, the fold lines facilitate the collapse of the substantially tubular configuration as a parallelogram. According to another facet of this aspect of the blank, the fold lines are disposed to facilitate substantially symmetrical collapsing of the tubular configuration.

According to a further aspect of the blank, at least one joinder flap or tab is hingedly adjoined to one of a transverse panel and a side panel for the purpose of attaching the transverse panel to the side panel.

An exemplary method for forming a partially-erected collapsed article carrier includes providing a blank that is substantially as described in the preceding paragraphs and adjoining the set of minor end panels of a respective side panel to either an unjoined end of the other side panel or to an additional set of minor end panels that is connected to the other side panel. Thereafter, the blank defines a substantially tubular carrier. Further, the method includes adjoining the transverse panels to respective side panels to act as partitions or otherwise define a substantially central compartment and auxiliary compartments when the tubular structure in an open condition. When the tubular structure is in a collapsed condition, certain of the side panels and the major and minor end panels are at least partially in face-contacting relationships.

The invention further provides a method for erecting the partially erected, collapsed article carrier from a collapsed condition and loading the carrier with articles. The method includes transporting the collapsed carrier to a destination proximate the articles, erecting the carrier from a collapsed condition, inserting the articles into the substantially-erect carrier through at least one of either a top opening or a bottom opening of the tubular structure, affixing a top connecting panel to an opposing one of the transverse panels or to another top connecting panel to at least partially cover the substantially central compartment, and forming a bottom closure by affixing a bottom closure panel to an opposing side panel or to another bottom closure panel.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are included within the scope of the present teaching and are protected by the accompanying claims.

The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and features of the present invention, which should be construed to be merely illustrative of various potential applications of the invention. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed information in a different manner or by combining various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first exemplary embodiment of a blank for forming an article carrier, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an article carrier, in collapsed condition, formed from the blank of FIG. 1, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the article carrier of FIG. 2, in erected condition for formation of a package, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the article carrier of FIG. 3, from a different angle of view.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a second exemplary embodiment of a blank for forming an article carrier, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an article carrier, in collapsed condition, formed from the blank of FIG. 5, according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the article carrier of FIG. 6, in erected condition for formation of a package, according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a third exemplary embodiment of a blank for forming an article carrier, according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an article carrier, in collapsed condition, formed from the blank of FIG. 8, according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the article carrier of FIG. 9, in erected condition for formation of a package, according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a blank for forming an article carrier, according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an article carrier, in collapsed condition, formed from the blank of FIG. 11, according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the article carrier of FIG. 12, in erected condition for formation of a package, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, the drawings illustrate certain of the various aspects of exemplary embodiments.

Generally described, the article carrier is comprised of side wall panels that are joined at each end and interconnected by end panels that form end wall structures. The side wall panels and end panels define a tubular structure. A top structure extends across an opening or open end of the tubular structure and is connected to the walls of the tubular structure to define a covered central compartment and open flanking end compartments. The top structure is defined by transverse panels that are joined at their uppermost regions such that the central compartment is covered. The flanking end compartments are formed at the ends of the article carrier on opposing sides of the central compartment. For convenience, the term “panel” is sometimes used interchangeably herein with the terms “wall panel” or “panel wall.”

The article carrier of the present invention is of the basket type or style. The carrier is preferably formed from a one-piece blank having side wall panels, end panels, transverse panels, connecting panels for adjoining the transverse panels, and bottom closure panels. When the carrier is partially erected from the blank, with transverse panels un-joined to one another and the bottom closure not yet formed, the carrier may be collapsed such that panels thereof are in flat-face contact. In one exemplary embodiment, the collapsed carrier is folded about lines of joinder of the various panels of the blank such that each side wall panel lies in flat-face contact with respect to a set of end wall panels and a portion of the opposing side wall panel. A cross-section of the carrier collapsed in this manner resembles a parallelogram. In a second exemplary embodiment, the partially-erected carrier is symmetrically collapsed about fold lines in the end walls.

The term “fold line” or “line of joinder” as used herein, is meant in an expansive, rather than a limiting, sense to mean lines that provide hinge-like connections through embossment, perforations, partial severance, or other means.

Third and fourth exemplary embodiments described herein are collapsible in the same manner as the first and second exemplary embodiments, respectively. However, in contrast, the first and second exemplary embodiments share the common feature of a wide strap-type top structure with indentations, or notches, in the handle portion to facilitate grasping while the third and fourth exemplary embodiments share the common feature of a narrower top structure with finger holes in the transverse panels to facilitate grasping.

Referring first to Fig.1, therein is illustrated a first exemplary embodiment of a blank 10 for forming an article carrier according to the present invention. Side wall panels 12, 14 are foldably interconnected by a set of major end wall panels 16. For clarity and convenience of description, the set of end panels, or end wall panels, that interconnect the side wall panels of the blank will be referred to herein as “major end panels.” The end panels that are joined to the non-interconnected ends of side panels in the blank are referred to herein as “minor end panels.” Although the invention contemplates as few as one panel, the exemplary embodiment illustrated shows a set of three major end wall panels 16 defined by fold lines 17 a, 17 b, 17 c, 17 d. A set of minor end wall panels 18 is foldably adjoined to the side wall panel 14. As with the set of major end wall panels 16, the set of minor end wall panels 18 may contain as few as a single panel, but the exemplary embodiment is shown with three panels defined by fold lines 19 a, 19 b, 19 c. An auxiliary end wall panel 13 is also considered to be a set of minor end wall panels comprised of a single panel. The auxiliary end wall panel 13 is connected along a fold line 15 to the side wall panel 12 and opposite the other set of minor end wall panels 18 to facilitate joinder thereof when a carrier is erected from the blank 10.

Opposing transverse panels 20, 24 are foldably adjoined to the upper regions of side wall panels 12, 14 along fold lines F1, F2 that are substantially parallel to fold lines connecting the side panels 12, 14 and end panels 16, 18. A fold line 21, 25 is disposed in each respective transverse panel 20, 24 to define a pivot line for accommodating shoulders of articles (such as bottles) to be packaged. Each fold line 21, 25 is slightly upwardly convexly arched. Although both of the transverse panels 20, 24 may be joined to a single side wall panel 12, 14, the exemplary embodiment illustrates each transverse panel 20, 24 adjoined to a respective, distinct side wall panel 12, 14. Transverse panels 20, 24 are separable from the side panels 12, 14 and the end panels 16, 18 along severance lines C1, C2.

Joinder flaps 40, 44 are foldably joined to side wall panels 12, 14 to facilitate joinder of respective transverse panels 24, 20 to respective side walls 12, 14 as an article carrier erected from the blank 10. Although varying arrangements and locations of joinder are within the scope of the invention, the exemplary embodiment illustrates one joinder flap 40 foldably joined to an upper region of a side wall panel 14 along a fold line F3, and a second joinder flap 44 foldably adjoined to an upper region of the other side wall panel 12 along a fold line F4. The fold lines F3, F4 are substantially parallel to the fold lines F1, F2 and the fold lines that hingedly connect the side panels 12,14 and the end panels 16, 18. Fold lines 41, 45 formed in each respective joinder flap 40, 44 are disposed to enable the flaps 40, 44 to accommodate the shoulders of articles (such as bottles) that may be received by an article carrier erected from the blank 10. Specifically, the fold lines 41, 45 align with the fold lines 21, 25 when the flaps 40, 44 are secured to the transverse panels 20, 24. Joinder flap 40 is separable from the adjacent side panel 14 along severance line C3 and is separable from the transverse panel 20 along cut line C4. Joinder flap 44 is separable from the side panel 12 along severance line C5.

Connecting structure panels 30, 34 are foldably adjoined or hingedly connected to the upper or distal edges of the transverse panels 20, 24 along fold lines 28, 38, respectively. The top wall or closure panels 30, 34 provide an overlapping connecting structure for the carrier erected from the blank 10. Foldable notch panels 32 a, 32 b, are formed in the connecting structure panel 30 by cut or severance lines C6 and are hingedly connected to the connecting structure panel 30 along fold lines 33 a, 33 b, respectively. In like manner, foldable notch panels 36 a, 36 b are formed in the connecting structure panel 34 by cut or severance lines C7 and are hingedly connected to the connecting structure panel 34 along fold lines 37 a, 37 b, respectively. The foldable notch panels 32 a, 32 b, 36 a, 36 b define a narrowed region therebetween in the respective connecting structure panels 30, 34.

A pair of shoulder flaps 22 a, 22 b is formed in the transverse panel 20 and each is hingedly connected thereto along fold lines 22 c, 22 d, respectively. The shoulder flaps 22 a, 22 b are separated from one other by a cut line 22 e, from the end panels 16 by the cut line C1, and from the transverse panel 20 by a cut line C8. In like manner, a pair of shoulder flaps 26 a, 26 b is formed in the transverse panel 24 and each is hingedly connected thereto along fold lines 26 c, 26 d, respectively. A cut line 26 e separates the shoulder flaps 26 a, 26 b from one another, the cut line C2 separates the shoulder flaps 26 a, 26 b from the end panels 18, and a cut line C9 separates the shoulder flaps 26 a, 26 b from the transverse panel 24. The shoulder flaps 22 a, 22 b, 26 a, 26 b provide hinged doorways to facilitate nesting of cylindrical articles (such as bottles) in an erected carrier, as will be described in greater detail below. It should be noted that a notch 42, 46 is defined in each joinder flap 40, 44 and is disposed or positioned such that the joinder flaps 40, 44 do not obstruct the movement of the shoulder flaps 22 a/22 b, 26 a/26 b when the joinder flaps 40, 44 are joined to the transverse panels 20, 24.

Complementary bottom closure panels 50, 54 are hingedly connected to the side wall panels 12,14 along fold lines 51, 53, respectively. The bottom closure panels 50, 54 provide a bottom closure structure when the blank 10 is erected to form a carrier. Although a single closure panel or more than two closure panels may be used, the exemplary embodiment provides two bottom closure panels. In addition, although the exemplary embodiment illustrates closure panels 50, 54 adjoining the side wall panels 12, 14, it is contemplated that one or more closure panels may alternatively, or additionally, adjoin one or more of the end wall panels.

Referring now to FIG. 2, therein is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of a collapsed article carrier 90 that is partially-erected from the blank 10 of FIG. 1 according to the present invention. According to an exemplary method of forming the collapsed article carrier 90 from the blank 10, the unattached regions of the set of minor end wall panels 18 and the auxiliary end wall panel 13 (also considered to be a set of minor end wall panels) are joined to one another to form a tubular structure that is the partially-erected article carrier 90 as shown in FIG. 2. The tubular structure is collapsed about fold lines 15, 17 d at the joinder of end wall panels 18/13, 16 to respective side wall panels 12, 14. Thereby, as generally shown in FIG. 2, the side wall panel 14 is disposed in substantially flat-face contact with the side wall panel 12 and with the major end wall panels 16 (not seen). At the same time, the other side wall panel 12 is in substantially flat-face contact with the minor end wall panels 18, 13 and with a portion of the side wall panel 14. A cross-section of the partially-erected, collapsed carrier 90 has the general appearance of a parallelogram.

Referring now to FIG. 3, therein is shown the article carrier 90 of FIG. 2 in a fully-erected condition. When the carrier 90 is erected or opened from a collapsed condition, it is ready to be loaded. In FIG. 3, the fully-erected article carrier 90 is not only erected, but is also fully-loaded with articles B (such as bottles) to create a package.

According to an exemplary method of fully erecting and loading the carrier 90 to form a package, the collapsed carrier 90 is opened and the connecting structure panels 30, 34 are overlapped and affixed to one another to form a top structure having a connecting structure 30/34. After articles B (such as bottles) are loaded into the compartments through the bottom opening of the carrier 90, the bottom closure panels 50, 54 are affixed to one another to form a bottom closure structure 50/54.

The scope of the invention also encompasses an alternative exemplary method of erecting and loading wherein the carrier 90 is opened from a collapsed condition, the bottom closure structure 50/54 is formed by affixing the bottom closure panels 50, 54 to one another, articles B are loaded into the compartments of the carrier 90 through the top opening, and the connecting structure panels 30, 34 are affixed to one another to form the connecting structure 30/34 and the top structure.

The scope of the invention further encompasses an exemplary method of erecting and loading wherein the carrier 90 is opened from a collapsed condition, articles B are loaded into the compartments through either the top or bottom openings, either the top structure or the bottom closure structure is formed, and then the remaining one of the top structure and bottom closure structure is formed.

When the connecting structure panels 30, 34 are overlapped with respect to one another, the notch panels 32 a, 32 b of the outermost connecting structure panel 30 will overlie the notch panels 36 a, 36 b of the other (the innermost) connecting structure panel 34. The overlying notch panels 32 a/36 a, 32 b/36 b are folded under to produce the narrow region of the composite connecting structure 30/34 that may then serve as the grasping region of a strap-handle formed by the transverse panels 20, 24 and the connecting structure panels 30, 34. Although the connecting structure panels 30, 34 may be affixed to one another in a variety of known manners, such as with adhesive or mechanical fasteners, the scope of the invention also encompasses use of the folded under notch panels 32 a, 32 b, 36 a, 36 b as the means for affixing the connecting structure panels 30, 34 to one another.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the fully-erected and loaded carrier 90 of FIG. 3 is illustrated from a slightly different angle of view wherein the pair of shoulder flaps 26 a, 26 b in the transverse panel 24 facilitates nesting of an endmost article B, disposed in a flanking end compartment, that is staggered, or offset, with respect to two of the adjacent articles B that are enclosed in the central compartment. Further, from this viewpoint, the manner in which the fold line 25 accommodates of shoulders of articles B can be seen.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a second exemplary embodiment of a blank 110 for forming an article carrier 190 is illustrated. The blank 110 of FIG. 5 is substantially similar to the blank 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the blanks 10, 110 differ in configuration and in that the transverse panels 120, 124 and connecting structure panels 130, 134 of the blank 110 include fold lines 123, 127, 133, 137 that facilitate collapsing the article carrier 190 in a symmetrical manner, as will be described in greater detail below.

The exemplary blank 110 includes two side wall panels 112, 114 that are foldably adjoined by a set of major end wall panels 116. The set of major end wall panels 116 is defined by fold lines 117 a, 117 b, 117 c. A set of minor end wall panels 118 is similarly defined by fold lines 119 a, 119 b, 119 c. An auxiliary panel 113 serves both as a part of an end wall structure and as a complementary portion of the shortened side wall 112. However, for convenience of description, the auxiliary panel 113 is considered to be a part of the set of minor end wall panels 118. The auxiliary panel 113 is the means for joining the shortened side panel 112, which is un-joined by a set of minor end wall panels, to the set of minor end wall panels 118 and, ultimately, to the other side panel 114.

Transverse panels 120, 124 are foldably joined to upper regions of the side wall panel 114 along fold lines F1, F2 and are separable from the side wall panels 112,113, 114 and end wall panels 116,118 along cut lines C1, C2 respectively. A fold line 121, 125 disposed in each respective transverse panel 120,124 defines a pivot line for accommodating shoulders of articles (such as bottles) to be packaged. A pair of shoulder flaps 122 a, 122 b disposed in the transverse panel 120 and a pair of shoulder flaps 126 a, 126 b disposed in the opposing transverse panel 124 provide hinged doorways to facilitate nesting of cylindrical articles (such as bottles) in a similar manner as previously discussed above.

Joinder flaps 140,144 foldably adjoined to respective transverse panels 120, 124 along fold lines F3, F4 and facilitate joinder of the respective transverse panels 120, 124 to the side wall panel 112, to which the transverse panels 120, 124 are initially unattached, in order to erect the carrier 190. The joinder flaps are separable from the side wall panels 112, 113 along the cut lines C1, C2. Although varying arrangements are within the scope of the invention, this embodiment illustrates the joinder flaps 140, 144 as being foldably adjoined to the respective transverse panels 120, 124. The joinder flaps 140, 144 are configured and disposed to overlap and be attached to uppermost regions of the side wall panel 112 to which they will be affixed.

Connecting structure panels 130, 134 are foldably adjoined to the transverse panels 120, 124 along respective fold lines 128, 138 provide an overlapping conecting structure for the carrier erected from the blank 110. Foldable notch panels 132 a, 132 b, 136 a, 136 b facilitate formation of a narrowed region in the connecting structure panels 130, 134.

The transverse panels 120,124 and connecting structure panels 130, 134 each have a respective centrally-disposed fold line 123, 127, 133, 137 that facilitates symmetrical collapsing of a partially-erected carrier formed from the blank 110, as will be described in greater detail below.

Complementary bottom closure panels 150, 154 provide a bottom closure structure 150/154 when the blank 10 is erected to form a carrier. Although a single closure panel or more than two closure panels may be used, the exemplary embodiment provides two bottom closure panels. In addition, although the exemplary embodiment illustrates bottom closure panels 150, 154 adjoining the side wall panels 112, 114, it is contemplated that one or more closure panels may alternatively, or additionally, adjoin one or more of the end wall panels.

Referring now to FIG. 6, therein is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of a partially-erected, collapsed article carrier 190 that is constructed from the blank 110 of FIG. 5, according to the present invention. According to an exemplary method, the auxiliary end wall panel 113 (one of the set of minor end wall panels 118) is joined to the un-joined end of the side wall panel 112 to form a tubular structure that is the partially-erected article carrier 190. The tubular structure is symmetrically collapsed about fold lines at each end of the partially-erected carrier. At one end of the carrier, these fold lines include the fold line 117 b that defines the set of major end wall panels 116, the centrally-disposed fold line 123 in the transverse panel 120, and the centrally-disposed fold line 133 in the connecting structure panel 130. At the other end of the carrier, these fold lines include the fold line 119 b that defines the set of minor end wall panels 118, the centrally-disposed fold line 127 in the transverse panel 124, and the centrally-disposed fold line 137 in the connecting structure panel 134. In the symmetrical collapsed condition, the side wall panels 112, 114, each half of the transverse panels 120, 124, and each half of the connecting structure panels 130, 134 are disposed in substantially flat-face contact with one another. A cross-section of the partially-erected, symmetrically-collapsed carrier 190 has the general appearance of a diamond.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the article carrier 190 of FIG. 6 is in a fully-erected condition. When the carrier 190 is opened from collapsed condition, it is ready to be loaded. In FIG. 7, the fully-erected article carrier 190 is not only fully erected, but is also fully-loaded with articles (bottles) B to create a package. The carrier 190 may be loaded according to the substantially the same exemplary methods described above with respect to the article carrier 90 that is illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

As previously described with respect to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, when the connecting structure panels 130, 134 are overlapped with respect to one another, the notch panels 132 a, 132 b of the outermost connecting structure panel 130 will overlie the notch panels 136 b, 136 a of the other (the innermost) connecting structure panel 134. The notch panels are folded under to produce a narrow region in the composite connecting structure that may serve as the grasping region of a strap-handle formed by the transverse panels 120, 124 and the connecting structure panels 130, 134. Although the connecting structure panels 130, 134 may be affixed to one another in a variety of known manners relating to affixing substrate surfaces, the scope of the invention also encompasses use of the folded under notch panels 132 a, 132 b, 136 a, 136 b as the means for affixing the connecting structure panels 130, 134 to one another.

Referring now to FIG. 8, therein is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of a blank 210 for forming an article carrier 290 according to the present invention. The blank 210 and article carrier 290 formed therefrom are similar to the blank 10 and carrier 90 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and described above with the primary distinctions being lack of article-nesting features and use of hand-hole apertures 260, 264 in the blank 210 of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 8, side wall panels 212, 214 are foldably interconnected by a set of major end wall panels 216. Although the invention contemplates as few as one panel, the exemplary embodiment illustrated shows a set of five major end wall panels defined by fold lines 217 a, 217 b, 217 c, 217 d, 217 e, 217 f. A set of minor end wall panels 218 is foldably adjoined to one of the side wall panels 214. As with the set of major end wall panels 216, the set of minor end wall panels 218 may contain as few as a single panel, but the exemplary embodiment is shown with three minor end wall panels defined by fold lines 219 a, 219 b, 219 c. Another set of minor end wall panels 213 (that is, a second set of minor end wall panels) is foldably adjoined to the other side wall panel 212, disposed for joinder with the first set of end wall panels 218 when a carrier is erected. As with the sets of major and first minor end wall panels 216, 218, the second set of minor end wall panels 213 may contain as few as a single panel, but the exemplary embodiment is illustrated with three minor end wall panels defined by fold lines 215 a, 215 b, 215 c.

Opposing transverse panels 220, 224 are foldably adjoined to the upper regions of side wall panels 212, 214 along fold lines F1, F2 and are separable from the side wall panels 212, 214 and end wall panels 216, 218 along cut or severance lines C1, C2. A fold line 221, 225 disposed in each respective transverse panel 220, 224 and defines a pivot line for accommodating shoulders of articles (such as bottles) to be packaged. Although both the transverse panels 220, 224 may be joined to a single side wall panel, the exemplary embodiment illustrates each transverse panel 220, 224 adjoined to a respective, distinct side wall panel 212, 214.

Joinder flaps 240, 244 are foldably joined to side wall panels 212, 214 along fold lines F3, F4 and separable from the side wall panels 212, 214 and end wall panels along severance lines C3, C4. The joinder flaps 240, 244 facilitate joinder of respective transverse panels 220, 224 to respective side walls 214, 212 in an article carrier that is erected from the blank 210. Although varying arrangements are within the scope of the invention, the exemplary embodiment illustrates one joinder flap 240 foldably joined to an upper region of a side wall panel 214, and a second joinder flap 244 foldably adjoined to an upper region of the other side wall panel 212. Fold lines 241, 245 formed in each respective joinder flap 240, 244 are disposed to enable the flaps 240, 244 to accommodate the shoulders of articles (such as bottles) that may be received by the article carrier erected from the blank.

Connecting structure panels 230, 234 are foldably adjoined to the transverse panels 220, 224 along respective fold lines 228, 238 to provide an overlapping connecting structure for the carrier erected from the blank 210.

The apertures 260, 264 are formed in each respective transverse panel 220, 224 to facilitate grasping of a carrier erected from the blank 210. Relief flaps 261 a, 261 b, 261 c and 265 a, 265 b, 265 c are disposed around portions of each respective aperture 260, 264.

Complementary bottom closure panels 250, 254 provide a bottom closure structure when the blank 210 is erected to form a carrier. Although a single closure panel or more than two closure panels may be used, the exemplary embodiment provides two bottom closure panels. In addition, although the exemplary embodiment illustrates closure panels 250, 254 adjoining the side wall panels 212, 214, the invention contemplates that one or more closure panels may alternatively, or additionally, adjoin one or more end wall panels.

Referring now to FIG. 9, therein is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of a partially-erected, collapsed article carrier 290 that is constructed from the blank 210 of FIG. 8, according to the present invention. The unattached endmost regions of the first set of minor end wall panels 218 and the second set of minor end wall panels 213 are joined to form the tubular structure that is the partially-erected article carrier 290. In addition, the tubular structure is collapsed about various fold lines of the sets of end wall panels 216, 218, 213 such that each side wall panel is disposed in substantially flat-face condition with at least a portion of a set of end wall panels and a portion of the opposing side wall panel. As shown in FIG. 9, one side wall panel 214 is shown disposed in substantially flat-face condition with a portion of the opposing side wall panel 212 and at least a portion of the set of end wall panels 216. At the same time, the other side wall panel 212 is in substantially flat-face condition with at least a portion of the set of end wall panels 218 and a portion of the opposing side wall panel 214. A cross-section of the partially-erected, collapsed carrier 290 has the general appearance of a parallelogram.

Referring now to FIG. 10, therein is shown the article carrier 290 of FIG. 9 in fully-erected condition. When the carrier 290 is opened from collapsed condition, it is ready to be loaded. In FIG. 10, the fully-erected article carrier 290 is not only erected, but is also fully-loaded with articles B (bottles) to create a package. According to an exemplary method of fully erecting and loading the carrier 290 to form a package, the collapsed carrier 290 is opened and the connecting structure panels 230, 234 are overlapped and affixed to one another to form a connecting structure 230/234. After articles B (such as bottles) are loaded through the bottom opening of the carrier 290, the bottom closure panels 250, 254 are affixed to one another to form the bottom closure 250/254.

The scope of the invention also encompasses an exemplary method of erecting and loading wherein the carrier 290 is opened from collapsed condition, then the bottom closure structure 250/254 is formed by affixing the bottom closure panels 250, 254 to one another, articles B are loaded into the compartments of the carrier 290 through the top opening, and the connecting structure panels 230, 234 are affixed to one another to form the connecting structure 230/234 and handle structure.

The scope of the invention further encompasses an exemplary method of erecting and loading wherein the carrier is opened from collapsed condition, articles B are loaded through either the top or bottom, either the top or bottom closure is formed, and then the remaining one of the top or bottom closure is formed.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an exemplary embodiment of a blank 310 for forming an article carrier according to the present invention is illustrated. The exemplary blank 310 of FIG. 11 is similar to the exemplary blank 210 illustrated in FIG. 8. The blanks differ in that the blank 310 of FIG. 11 includes additional fold lines in the sets of end wall panels, the transverse panels and the connecting structure panels. These added fold lines facilitate symmetrical folding to collapse a carrier formed from the blank 310, as will be described in greater detail below.

In the exemplary blank 310, two side wall panels 312, 314 are foldably adjoined by a set of major end wall panels 316. The set of major end wall panels 316 is defined by fold lines 317 a, 317 b, 317 c, 317 d, 317 e, 317 f, 317 g. A set of minor end wall panels 318 is similarly defined by fold lines 319 a, 319 b, 319 c, 319 d. Another set of minor end wall panels 313 (a second set of minor end wall panels) is foldably adjoined to the other side wall panel 312 and disposed for joinder with the first set of minor end wall panels 318 when a carrier is erected. As with the major and first minor sets of end wall panels 316, 318, the second set of major end wall panels 313 may contain as few as a single panel, but the exemplary embodiment is illustrated with three panels defined by fold lines 315 a, 315 b, 315 c.

Transverse panels 320, 324 are foldably joined to an upper region 308 of the side wall panel 314 along fold lines F1, F2 and are separable from various panels of the blank 310 along cut lines C1, C2. A fold line 321, 325 disposed in each respective transverse panel 320, 324 defines a pivot line for accommodating shoulders of articles (such as bottles) to be packaged.

Joinder flaps 340, 344 foldably adjoining respective transverse panels 320, 324 facilitate joinder of the respective transverse panels 320, 324 to the upper region 306 of the side wall panel 312, to which the transverse panels are initially unattached, in order to erect a carrier. Although varying arrangements are within the scope of the invention, the exemplary embodiment illustrates both joinder flaps 340, 344 foldably adjoined to the respective transverse panels 320, 324 along fold lines F3, F4. The joinder flaps 340, 344 are configured and disposed to overlap and be attached to the uppermost region 306 of the side wall panel 312 to which they will be attached.

Connecting structure panels 330, 334 foldably adjoined to the transverse panels 320, 324 along respective fold lines 328, 338 provide an overlapping connecting structure 330/334 for the carrier erected from the blank 310.

The transverse panels 320, 324 and connecting structure panels 330, 334 each have a respective centrally-disposed fold line 323, 327, 333, 337 that facilitates a symmetrical collapsing of a partially-erected carrier formed from the blank 310, as will be described in greater detail below.

Complementary bottom closure panels 350, 354 provide a bottom closure structure when the blank 310 is erected to form a carrier. Although a single closure panel or more than two closure panels may be used, the exemplary embodiment provides two. In addition, although the exemplary embodiment illustrates closure panels 350, 354 adjoining the side wall panels 312, 314, the invention contemplates that one or more closure panels may alternatively, or additionally, adjoin one or more end wall panels.

Referring now to FIG. 12, therein is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of an article carrier 390, in partially-erected, collapsed condition, constructed from the blank 310 of FIG. 11, according to the present invention. The sets of minor end wall panels 313, 318 are joined to form the tubular structure that is the partially-erected article carrier 390. The tubular structure is symmetrically collapsed about the fold lines at each end of the partially-erected carrier. At one end of the carrier, these are fold line 317 d in the set of end wall panels 316, the fold line 323 in the transverse panel 320, and the fold line 333 in the connecting structure panel 330. At the other end of the carrier 390, these are fold line 319 d in the set of end wall panels 318, fold line 327 in the transverse panel 324, and fold line 337 in the connecting structure panel 334. In symmetrical collapsed condition, the side wall panels 312, 314, each half of the transverse panels 320, 324, and each half of the connecting structure panels 330, 334 are disposed in substantially flat-face condition with respect to one another. A cross-section of the partially-erected, collapsed carrier 390 has the general appearance of a diamond.

Referring now to FIG. 13, therein is shown the article carrier 390 of FIG. 12 in fully-erected condition. When the carrier 390 is opened from collapsed condition, it is ready to be loaded. In FIG. 13, the fully-erected article carrier 390 is not only erected, but is also fully-loaded with articles (bottles) B to create a package. The carrier 390 may be loaded in the same various manners as the alternative exemplary embodiments of loading described above.

The nesting features of the carriers 90, 190 of FIGS. 1-7 help facilitate use for packages having staggered article arrangements. The notched connecting structures of the carriers 90, 190 of FIGS. 1-7 facilitate use of the connecting structure as a strap handle. The use of apertures 260, 264, 360, 364 in the transverse panels of the carriers 290, 390 of FIGS. 8-13 facilitate use of the central compartment structure as a handle.

As illustrated in the exemplary embodiments depicted and described, the invention teaches aesthetically distinctive yet functional carriers that closely receive articles, thereby producing a taught, snug package of articles. The invention further teaches distinctive yet functional top structures that can provide a handle. The blanks of the carriers are designed in a manner that facilitates nesting in sheets or rolls of blanks. The blanks are also designed so that they can be partially-erected relatively easily to form a structure that is ready for loading and relatively easy to close. The invention also teaches methods of erection and loading. It is to be noted that although portions of the structures of the blanks and article carriers described above have been designated “side wall panels” and “end wall panels,” these designations help distinguish features but are not intended as limitations of structure or function. Because the carriers 90, 190, 290, 390 formed have end compartments with curved walls, side wall panels may be considered to extend around an end portion of an erected carrier and end wall panels may be considered to extend into a side portion of an erected carrier.

The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Variations, modifications, and combinations have been described above, and even more may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims. 

1. An article carrier comprising: opposed side walls and opposed end wall structures hingedly connected to one another along substantially vertical fold lines to define a tubular structure, each of said opposed side walls and said end wall structures having lower edges adjacent a bottom open end of the tubular structure and having upper edges adjacent a top open end of the tubular structure; a bottom closure structure enclosing the bottom open end of the tubular structure; and a top structure comprising: a pair of transverse panels defining a central compartment and at least a flanking end compartment; wherein at least one of said pair of transverse panels comprises: a lower edge that extends between said opposed side walls and across the top open end; and opposed side edges that are hingedly connected to said upper edges of said opposed side walls along substantially vertical fold lines; wherein respective upper edges of said transverse panels are connected to one another to cover said central compartment.
 2. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein said at least one of said pair of transverse panels and an adjacent one of said end wall structures are offset from one another and define said at least one flanking end compartment.
 3. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein said transverse panels are connected by a connecting structure that is substantially parallel to said bottom closure structure.
 4. The article carrier of claim 3, wherein said connecting structure is disposed at a position spaced above said upper edges of said opposed side walls.
 5. The article carrier of claim 3, wherein a notch is defined along at least one of opposed side edges of said connecting structure to provide a handle for said article carrier.
 6. The article carrier of claim 5, wherein said at least one side edge comprises both said opposed side edges, and a pair of notches is defined along said opposed side edges of said connecting structure, respectively.
 7. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein said at least one of said pair of transverse panels comprises both of said pair of transverse panels; and wherein said at least one flanking end compartment comprises a pair of flanking end compartments, each flanking end compartment being defined by one of said pair of transverse panels and an adjacent one of said opposed end wall structures.
 8. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein an aperture is disposed in at least one of said transverse panels to provide a handle for said article carrier.
 9. The article carrier of claim 1, said bottom structure being hingedly connected to said lower edges of said opposed side walls.
 10. The article carrier of claim 1, wherein said upper edges of said transverse panels are disposed above said upper edges of said opposed side walls.
 11. A package, comprising; Opposed side walls and opposed end wall structures hingedly connected to one another along substantially vertical fold lines to define a tubular structure, each of said opposed side walls and said end wall structures having lower edges adjacent a bottom open end of the tubular structure and having upper edges adjacent a top open end of the tubular structure; a bottom closure structure enclosing the bottom open end of the tubular structure; and a top structure comprising: a pair of transverse panels defining a central compartment and at least a flanking end compartment; wherein at least one of said pair of transverse panels comprises: a lower edge that extends between said opposed side walls and across the top open end; and opposed side edges that are hingedly connected to said upper edges of said opposed side walls along substantially vertical fold lines; wherein respective upper edges of said transverse panels are connected to one another to cover said central compartment; and a first group of articles comprising at least two articles and being disposed in said central compartment, a second group of articles comprising at least one article and being disposed in said at least one flanking end compartment.
 12. The package of claim 11, wherein an article of said second group is arranged so as to be substantially nested between two articles of said first group, said nested articles being adjacent said at least one of said pair of transverse panels.
 13. The package of claim 11, said at least one of said pair of transverse panels partitioning upper portions of said first group of articles from upper portions of said second group of articles.
 14. The package of claim 11, wherein said articles are tapered articles having shoulders.
 15. The package of claim 11, wherein an aperture is disposed in at least one of said pair of transverse panels so as to align with the space between adjacent articles in said first group of articles.
 16. The package of claim 11, wherein a connecting structure connects said transverse panels so as to cover said central compartment; and wherein notches are disposed in side edges of said connecting structure so as to align with the space between adjacent articles in said first group of articles.
 17. The package of claim 11, wherein a connecting structure connects said transverse panels so as to be adjacent to the tops of said first group of articles.
 18. The package of claim 11, wherein said bottom structure is hingedly connected to said lower edges of said side walls such that said second group of articles rests on a cantilevered portion of said bottom structure.
 19. A blank for forming an article carrier, comprising: a series of side panels and end panel structures hingedly connected to one another along longitudinal first fold lines such that endmost side panels and end panel structures can be secured to one another to form a tubular structure, said series of side panels and end panels having upper edges and lower edges; a pair of transverse panels, each having a lower edge that is substantially adjacent the upper edges of respective ones of said side panels and end panel structures, each having a side edge that is hingedly connected to the upper edge of a respective one of said side panels along a longitudinal second fold line that is substantially parallel to said longitudinal first fold lines; and at least one top connecting panel hingedly adjoined to a respective one of said transverse panels for forming a connecting structure interconnecting said transverse panels.
 20. The blank of claim 19, wherein each of said pair of transverse panels is substantially bisected by a longitudinally extending third fold line to facilitate symmetrically collapsing the article carrier, said third fold line being substantially parallel to said first and second fold lines.
 21. The blank of claim 19, further comprising a pair of joinder flaps for attaching transverse panels and respective side panels that are not initially hingedly connected, each of said joinder flaps being hingedly connected along a longitudinal fourth fold line to a side edge of a respective one of said pair of transverse panels or to an upper edge edge of a respective one of said side panels. 